Review of the Sony XDR-F1HD Radio receiver

Here are some comments, pros as well as cons on the Sony XDR-F1HD Radio. The reviews and ratings information is assembled from multiple reviews and sources from across the internet.

Pros: Very good reception with FM radio stations. It does a good job in acquiring weaker radio signals. It is a budget-priced AM/FM HD Radio component that delivers top notch sound quality and low-noise reception. The performance of the Sony XDR-F1HD on stereo FM is very high quality.  It is small and compact. The Sony XDF-F1HD has a bright backlit LCD screen.

Cons: AM radio stations were more challenging to pick up, and the AM sound quality was noticeable worse than some competing HD radio receivers. The radio doesn’t have a headphone output. AM reception was poor.

Comments : A new component. Just debuted in January 2008. Numerous reviews of this Sony tuner show that is has some of the best reception and top notch audio quality on the market, and the price can’t be beat. It is hailed by die hard music lovers as one of the greatest tuners ever, the Sony XDR-F1HD is arguably the best, and most affordable way, to add HD digital radio signal to any stereo system. When compared to the Sangean, the Sony XDR-F1HD is a much better radio for a cheaper price.

Additional Review Info : If you live in part of the country with few radio stations, this Sony HD Radio tuner probably won't do you much good. On the other hand, if you live near or around a large urban area then you should be interested in the Sony XDR-F1HD.

The radio unit itself is compact and lightweight, and it approaches in-dash car radio sized. There's an on-off power switch on the front on the unit, next to the large display window. There are also some buttons on the top, but it's easier to control the Sony from the included remote control. There are also separate wire FM and AM antennas included in the box. In addition, RCA output jacks allow you to attach the XDR-F1HD to your stereo.

So, you may ask, how does it sound? Reviews indicate amazingly good. While it is not as good as the best, high priced FM tuners, it is extremely good nonetheless. for AM stations, the sound is excellent. AM HD makes all-news and all-talk stations sound incredible. 

Even the analog FM sound quality was superb, and the Sony XDR-F1HD easily pulls in hard-to-receive stations, with very little or no noise. When a user is tuning between HD stations the XDR-F1HD takes a few seconds to lock onto the HD signal, and that is when the difference between analog and HD digital sound quality jumps out at the listener. The difference in quality is substantial. FM stations broadcasting in HD were dead quiet and there was no hiss, noise, fuzz, or distortion. Reviews show that the best HD stations truly deliver true CD quality sound.

Even when compared to the Sirius SR-H550 satellite tuner, the Sony XDR-F1HD quality was revealing. Our reviews show that Sirius tuner's sound quality was reminiscent of very low-bit MP3s, with a "swishy" treble and a spatially flattened character. Even though satellite radio is supposedly noise-free, FM digital HD radio stations seemed quieter and significantly clearer overall. The Sony unit was dramatically better sounding than the best sounding Sirius channels.

The Sony XDR-F1HD HD digital radio tuner is very, very highly recommended. Reviews show that it is unbelievably recommended when considering the price.

Manufacturers :

Experience more choices, crystal clear digital HD sound, and no subscription fees with the Sony XDR-F1HD.

The XDR-F1HD comes with a wireless remote.

This systems LCD will display the current station, song title, and artist

The Sony XDR-F1HD connects to your existing home stereo system or receiver to bring you HD Digital radio through your existing speakers.

20 Station Presets

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